Darlene "Cookie" Jean Apfelbeck, 81, of Kronenwetter passed away at Aspirus Wausau hospital surrounded by her family on December 17, 2022. She was born to Leo and Margaret (Zweiffel) Spatz on 06/30/1941.

She is survived by her loving husband Robert Apfelbeck, two sons, Clayton (Karen) Apfelbeck of Kronenwetter, Daniel (Vicki) Apfelbeck of Kronenwetter, five brothers Donald (Jane) Spatz of Kronenwetter, Ronald (Rosemary) Spatz of Phillips, Richard (Patti) Spatz of Weston, Jerome (Corrine) Spatz of Kronenwetter, Kenneth (Lori) Spatz of Ringle, five sisters, Jean (Don) Steckbauer of Wausau, Susan (Larry) Stoltz of Kronenwetter, Sandra (Leonard) Knight of Rib Mountain, Cindy Spatz of Kronenwetter, Debra (Michael) King of Mosinee, Sister in law Linda (Glen) Spatz of Wausau, grandson, C.J. Apfelbeck, granddaughters Aaron (Dan) Desnoyer, and Dr. Taylor Apfelbeck (Alex Nguyen).

She is preceded in death by three brothers William Spatz, Allan Spatz, Glen Spatz, two sisters Kathleen Spatz (infant) and Karen (Roy) Hotchkiss.

Cookie had many interests throughout her life. She loved to do needle work, creating projects with plastic canvas, crafting, and growing plants. She spent many hours in her wood working shop where she loved to create handmade gifts for family and friends. Her and Bob loved to ride snowmobiles, go camping, and travel. She especially loved the upper peninsula of Michigan, Florida, and 2 family trips out west, visiting Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Zion Canyon just to name a few places. She also helped extensively in the family business, doing the accounting and even drove truck and operated front end loader. Her family is going to miss her traveling pan of cookies on special occasions.

She found fulfillment in taking care of her family and the home that she loved so much. She also enjoyed helping family and friends with child care.

Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Friends and family may gather from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com